Hatch Act Is Worth Saving

July 28, 1993

Partisan political activities by federal employees, which have been banned since 1939, are about to be permitted again in a limited way. Behind this misguided effort to weaken the Hatch Act are the White House, Democratic congressional leaders and labor unions.

Under existing law, federal workers are not allowed to solicit political contributions. They can't pass out candidates' propaganda or display a bumper sticker or lapel pin. The same restrictions apply to state workers whose jobs receive federal support.

Most of the prohibitions make sense. Keeping civil servants clear of partisan politics and political influence-peddling helps to keep government honest.

Think of the potential for intimidation and coercion if all Hatch Act prohibitions were repealed. Imagine the amount of money the federal employees' unions could funnel to their favorite candidates.

The Senate went too far last week in liberalizing the law. Still, the bill championed by Sen. John H. Glenn Jr. of Ohio is more restrictive than the measure passed by the House in March, which all but guts the Hatch Act.

Both proposals would allow most federal workers to hold office in political parties, to endorse candidates, distribute campaign literature, solicit votes and organize political meetings. The House bill would also allow federal civil servants to run for local political office and seek political contributions.

Senate Republicans persuaded Mr. Glenn to keep some federal workers out of the political arena. They include IRS agents and auditors, FBI, CIA and other police and security agents, top-level bureaucrats in the Senior Executive Service and administrative law judges and members of various appeals boards.

There is no compelling need to weaken the Hatch Act. Only one change should be allowed. Rep. Nancy L. Johnson of New Britain has been able to get the House to approve a provision to allow federal workers to run for hometown offices such as the school board or town council. The Senate should draw the line there -DE Updated: YY93 MM07 DD29